G.M's Match Preview: Will Redknapp Be The Difference Between Two Teams In Turmoil?
Saturday, 19th Mar 2016 11:00 by George Martin

The Derby coaching staff, players and fans will be hoping the presence of Harry Redknapp will give the necessary motivation, knowledge, experience and (sometimes) luck to beat local rivals Notts Forest in the East Midlands derby live in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Although Morris strangely said promotion was not key to this season, he seems to be doing everything possible to make it happen.

Derby are so inconsistent, their place in the play-offs is still hanging by a thread, and with Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich and Brighton still to play, where they end of the season is still well and truly in the balance.

Derby have brought in Redknapp to try and secure a play off place and get promoted. The tax man, how much money he spends on players and the long term view are irrelevant. It is about the next 8-9 weeks. Simple as that.

Derby have no new injury worries, so the regular back four and goalkeeper should remain the same, but fans still worry about Olsson's defending and the goals that are being scored at Derby's back post.

The midfield three is likely to be Thorne, Bryson and probably Hendrick. This may depend on how Hendrick has been affected by his recent court case in Dublin. If he is not up to it, then Butterfield will step in.

Russell and Ince are likely to play in the wide berths and Martin up front. Weimann, Hanson and Bent will be hoping to get a taste of the action and there may even be a surprise place for Will Hughes on the bench.

Notts Forest welcome back ex Ram Jamie Ward as a player while another ex Ram Paul Williams has been appointed caretaker manager with help from Andy Reid. They will look to appease the fans after yet another sacking by the clubs unpredictable and strange owner Fawaz.

Strange in that he expects them to be challenging for the play off places and in doing so has tried 8 managers in four years.

If he starts, Ward is likely to start on the right and will be a menace. While at Derby he sometimes struggled to play consecutive matches in a row, but he was more effective than Russell, Weimann and Blackman. He was a good player for the Rams and that should never be forgotten. However, it's boringly predictable that he will be booed.

Notts Forest earned a respectable draw in midweek when drawing 1-1 with promotion challenging Hull City. They should have Vaughn and Gardner in the centre of midfield, with the attacking Osborn on the wing.

The on loan Macheda or Blackstock could start up front in a lone striker role. O' Burke, Walker and Tesche will look to make an impact from the bench while the match is too early for Lansbury.

We can expect that Paul Williams will want to get the better of his former club and will have them motivated, organised and hard to break down for this massive clash.

Prediction:

This is likely to be a tight game with both sets of clubs in some form of turmoil due to their inconsistencies on the pitch and the sacking of respective managers. Hopefully Derby bringing in Redknapp, will prove to be a master stroke.

The anticipation and pre match excitement for this fixture often leads to a match of little quality with no player wanting to make a mistake and usually the odd goal wins it.

Despite dominating this fixture for a number of years, Derby have struggled more recently only winning once in the past 5.

If both sets of clubs and players were offered a draw before the start, they would take it, however, fans think differently.

My heart is saying a 1-0 Derby win with Martin to score.

My head is going for 1-1.